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Getting married 

What should you know about managing money when getting married?

Managing money when getting married means planning your wedding in a way that protects your finances both now and after the big day itself. Setting a realistic budget together and tracking costs using CCPC Budgeting resources can help you stay in control and avoid overspending.

If you need to borrow, use the CCPC Loan comparison tool to compare interest rates and understand the full cost before committing. Taking out appropriate wedding and travel insurance and using secure payment methods for deposits can also reduce the risk of unexpected financial losses.

How do you set a wedding budget?

Start by sitting down with your partner to:

  • Discuss what you’ve already saved

  • Agree what you can put aside regularly

  • Set realistic priorities for your wedding day

Do a review of your finances to identify areas where you can cut back. Is there an opportunity to borrow items? Maybe you could buy some essentials second hand, or rent what you need for the big day? If either of you has debts like loans or credit card bills, focus on clearing them first, starting with the most expensive ones.

Use the CCPC Budget tips and tools to create a breakdown of all your wedding costs and adjust your plans if needed. It's a good idea to make allowances for unplanned expenses, for example 10 to 15% of your overall budget.  

What should you consider if you need to borrow money?

Even with savings, you might need to borrow. Use the CCPC Loan comparison tool to examine all of the interest rates on offer from lenders in the Irish market. You should:

  • Estimate repayments
  • Figure out how long it will take to pay off the loan
  • Understand the total cost of the loan based on interest and the repayment term
Top tips
  • Avoid long repayment terms, as they cost more
  • Use cash gifts to pay off wedding loans

Should you get wedding insurance?

Yes, things can go wrong, like cancellations or suppliers failing to deliver. Wedding insurance can protect you from financial loss due to unexpected events.

What to check:

  • Compare policies, as coverage and costs vary
  • Get your rings valued and insured as ‘specified items’ under your home insurance policy

What insurance do you need for a honeymoon or wedding abroad?

Take out travel insurance to cover:

  • Illness or injury
  • Lost or delayed luggage
  • Cancelled flights
  • Stolen money or passports
Top tip
Check the policy details to avoid duplicating cover you may already have through your existing health insurance

Is it safer to pay by card for wedding expenses?

Yes, using a credit or debit card for large purchases and deposits offers protection if a business goes bust. If you pay by card, your provider may reverse the transaction through a chargeback system, depending on the circumstances and your card type.

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